Es wird dann mal wieder zeit für:
1. Discovery – mistake fare is posted. Novices frantically checks how much vacation time they have and if the dates of availability mesh with their schedules. Experienced EF bookers just book it and worry about contacting spouses or their boss later. Word spreads like wildfire.
2. Excitement – Tickets purchased, confirmation emails received and dates of travel shared with other EFers. Discussions of what to see and do and where to stay crop up in other threads. Novices contact source to change seats or inquire about upgrades, Seasoned EFers sit back and enjoy reading the discussion threads.
3. Stress Stage 1 – Concern over (paper) ticket delivery – Novices Frantically check FedEx/e-mail every few hours, constant monitoring of driveway for FedEx truck and e-mail inbox. Seasoned EF veterans sit back and relax.
4. Glee and happiness – (Paper) tickets in hand, vacation request submitted, spouses finally informed, hotel reservations made and bragging to friends and co-workers begins. Both novices and experts get very excited.
5. Stress Stage 2 – Rumors of fare not being honored, discussion threads about the airline and ticketing agency ensue. Rumors crop up like crabgrass at this stage. Many EFers begin to worry excessively about whether or not the trip will happen. Novices make non-refundable and financial committments to their trip. Seasoned EFers make mixed drinks (and maybe a sandwich) and is patient.
6. Reality Check – Accurate information is obtained – usually takes place a week to 10 days after mistake fare is published. Confirmed information from the source as to whether or not tickets will be honored.
7a. Pure Joy (Icelandair style- Fare is Honored) – Lots of happy people, threads on shared information regarding hotels, restaurants, tours, etc. Jealousy from others sets in. First “EF guinea pigs” embark, post confirmation threads that all is ok.
7b. Hostile Feelings (Copa Airlines Style – fare is not honored) – Many angry and disappointed EFers. Refunds are issued. Novices have multiple discussion threads of lawsuits and hostile correspondence, EF pros mutter “c’est la vie” and look for the next fare mistake.
8. Success (Honored) – Trip Report thread becomes very active